Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end Travis Kelce is no stranger to the spotlight. At 35, the future Hall of Famer has built an illustrious NFL career, amassing accolades that few can rival. Beyond the gridiron, Kelce has turned his athletic prowess into a burgeoning media empire and even sparked a high-profile romance with global superstar Taylor Swift. But despite his undeniable success, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo recently took a hilarious swipe at Kelce that left fans in stitches.
During a recent appearance on Kelce’s New Heights podcast, Spagnuolo didn’t hold back, delivering a good-natured jab that had listeners buzzing. “I value what I call ‘Football Get It,’” Spagnuolo began, setting the stage for his punchline. “Listen, you don’t have to be a 4.0 student in college, I mean, I don’t ask about GPAs, right? Trav wouldn’t be able to play defense if we were asking about GPAs.” With just three words—“not smart enough”—Spagnuolo’s quip painted a cheeky picture of Kelce’s academic past, leaving fans stunned and amused by the bold humor.
Kelce, ever the good sport, has been open about his less-than-stellar academic moments during his time at the University of Cincinnati. He’s admitted to nearly losing his scholarship due to some off-field antics, but don’t let that fool you—Kelce still managed to graduate with a respectable 3.2 GPA. That blend of grit, talent, and charm has clearly served him well, both on and off the field.
The joke hit home because it played on Kelce’s larger-than-life persona. Fans on social media erupted with reactions, with one tweeting, “Spags calling out Trav like that? Savage! 😂” Another fan wrote, “Not smart enough? Tell that to his three Super Bowl rings and Taylor Swift!” The banter highlighted the camaraderie within the Chiefs’ organization, where even a superstar like Kelce isn’t immune to a little ribbing.
Travis caught a stray out of nowhere here and it made me legit laugh out loud 🤣
This interview with Spags on New Heights is so good. If you have the time, give it a listen. pic.twitter.com/2yWZuLVvYl
— how bout those CHIEFS (@hbtCHIEFS) June 11, 2025
Spagnuolo, who joined the Chiefs in 2019, has been a key architect of the team’s defensive success, contributing to all three of their Super Bowl victories in the Patrick Mahomes era. Meanwhile, Kelce has been a cornerstone of the offense, racking up highlight-reel plays and earning the adoration of Chiefs Kingdom. Together, they’ve helped build a dynasty, proving that intelligence—whether on the field or in the classroom—comes in many forms.
While Spagnuolo might not want Kelce on his defensive unit anytime soon, the coach’s playful jab only underscores the tight-knit bond within the team. As for Kelce, he’s likely laughing along, secure in his legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest tight ends—and a guy who’s clearly smart enough to win at life.